What is Music Therapy?

The American Music Therapy Association defines it as the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

• In the USA Music therapists must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy from one of AMTA’s 72 approved colleges and universities, including 1200 hours of clinical training.

• Music therapists must hold the MT-BC credential, issued through the Certification Board for Music Therapists, which protects the public by ensuring competent practice and requiring continuing education. Some states also require licensure for board-certified music therapists.

• Music Therapy degrees require knowledge in psychology, medicine, and music.

The World Federation for Music Therapy is a global organization which defines music therapy as  the professional use of music and its elements as an intervention in medical, educational, and everyday environments with individuals, groups, families, or communities who seek to optimize their quality of life and improve their physical, social, communicative, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual health and wellbeing. Research, practice, education, and clinical training in music therapy are based on professional standards according to cultural, social, and political contexts (WFMT, 2011).

CNN: Surgery patients hear benefits of music therapy loud and clear

Music Therapy Resources

University of Louisville Music Library provides access to a world-class collection of music therapy resources.